Mixed message over grant sparks panic at nursery schools
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/05/2020 (2102 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
NURSERY schools in Manitoba had a moment of panic this week after being told it would have to remain open during the summer or risk losing part of their operating grant next year. While the message appears to be a miscommunication from the province’s Early Learning and Child Care co-ordinators, the experience has rattled a local provider.
“It was a devastating moment for us and it very much felt like our province didn’t care whether we survived this pandemic or not,” said Laura Burla, executive director of the St. James Montessori School.
Like other nursery schools in Manitoba, Burla’s program runs 10 months of the year, with a break during July and August.
The school receives a prorated grant from the province to reflect its operating schedule.
On Wednesday, during her weekly phone call with an ELCC co-ordinator, Burla was told she would need to keep her program going throughout the summer to help support Manitoba’s phased-in reopening or face a reduction in her grant payment in the fall.
Burla panicked about whether she could extend the lease on her space at Lincoln Middle School throughout the summer; how she would be able to pay staff and whether she would receive additional funding from the province.
Information provided by the province to the Free Press on Thursday was decidedly different.
In an emailed statement, a provincial spokeswoman said 10-month nurseries were being “encouraged” to remain open and that operating grants wouldn’t be affected if a centre decided to close.
When asked why directors had received incorrect information, the province said it is following up with staff “to ensure they’re clear on the approach.”
While Burla is relieved her centre won’t be penalized if it closes during the summer, she is calling for better communication from the province.
“Clear and open lines of communication are vital and they can’t be inconsistent,” she said.